Checklist: Is My Roof Suitable for a Solar System?

Of course, your roof can be suitable for a solar installation—provided there is enough space, no significant shading, and the roof structure is sufficiently stable. A south-facing roof is ideal, but east–west roofs are also perfectly suitable. Even flat roofs or roofs with less favorable orientations can often be used, depending on the specific conditions on site.

For a reliable assessment, however, you should always have your roof inspected by a professional installer. In some cases, renovation work may be necessary in advance, or there may be structural aspects that require special attention. To avoid risks and make the most of your roof’s potential, it is also worth consulting a solar cadastre or getting tailored expert advice.

Key Factors That Determine Roof Suitability

Whether a roof is suitable for a solar system depends on several essential factors.

Shading plays a major role. Trees or tall neighboring buildings can significantly reduce the yield of a PV system. For economically viable results, a roof area with as little shading as possible is crucial.

Roof orientation and pitch also strongly influence energy production. Around 30 degrees and a south-facing direction are optimal. However, east–west roofs or flat roofs—and in some cases even north-facing roofs—can still be viable options, as long as sunlight exposure is sufficient.

Available roof area is another important point. A solar investment only becomes economically attractive with enough usable square meters. In addition, load-bearing capacity matters: the roof must be able to support the additional weight of the modules and mounting system. For older buildings in particular, a structural inspection by experts is strongly recommended.

Regarding roofing materials: common materials such as clay tiles, concrete tiles, or sheet metal are generally suitable. Less recommended are thatched roofs or roofs with old asbestos-containing Eternit panels, as these often involve structural and safety-related limitations.

In summary: For a financially viable solar system, you need a mostly shade-free, sufficiently large, and structurally sound roof with suitable roofing material. A professional on-site assessment is advisable in every case.

How to Check Whether Your Roof Is Suitable

First: Many municipalities now offer digital solar cadastres. These tools allow you to easily check how suitable your roof is for a photovoltaic system. Often, a quick look at your city or community’s website is enough.

Second: Have a professional company assess the structural integrity of your roof, its overall condition, and potential shading. This ensures your roof can carry the additional weight of a PV system and be used to its full potential.

And one more important point: if a roof renovation is already planned, it should always be completed before installing a solar system. This prevents unnecessary extra effort and costs later

This article is intended solely for general information and does not constitute a binding offer. The content presented does not replace individual consultation. For a concrete offer or personal assessment, we recommend a direct advisory meeting.